Prayer Journal a 2.Indd

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Kingdom Stewardship

A Steward’s Prayer and Reﬂ ection Journal

The Gospel of Matthew Prepared by the Stewardship Ofﬁ ce of The Catholic Diocese of Cleveland, Ohio

Scripture texts in this work are taken from the New American Bible with Revised New Testament and Revised Psalms © 1991, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Washington, D.C. and are used by permission of the copyright owner.

Prayers in this work are taken from http://www.catholicdoors.com/ prayers/prayers-a.htm

Permission is given to duplicate with acknowledgment given to the Stewardship Offi ce of the Catholic Diocese of Cleveland. For a free PDF fi le, please contact the Stewardship Offi ce at:

Stewardship Ofﬁ ce Catholic Diocese of Cleveland 1027 Superior Ave. Cleveland, OH 44114 800-869-6525 X2120

[email protected]

2 55 Kingdom Stewardship Stewardship

Time A Steward’s Prayer and Talent Reﬂ ection Journal

Treasure The Gospel of Matthew Blessing

Commitment Name: ______

Date: ______

54 3 A Steward’s 30 Day Prayer Journal Magnifi cat This prayer journal is a free gift. Your Parish has chosen to My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in distribute this to you either during a Stewardship presentation God my savior. For he has looked upon his handmaid’s lowliness; at your church or through the mail. behold, from now on all ages will call me blessed. The Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name. His mercy is from age to age to those who fear him. He has shown might with This Prayer Journal was created specifi cally for you by the his arm, dispersed the arrogant of mind and heart. He has thrown Stewardship Offi ce of The Catholic Diocese of Cleveland, down the rulers from their thrones but lifted up the lowly. The Ohio. Our hope is that it will assist, inspire, and encourage hungry he has fi lled with good things; the rich he has sent away you as you live out your life of Stewardship. As the U. S. empty. He has helped Israel his servant, remembering his mercy, Bishops stated in their letter on stewardship: “A Christian according to his promise to our fathers, to Abraham and to his Steward is: One who receives God’s gifts gratefully, descendants forever. cultivates them responsibly, shares them lovingly in justice with others, and returns them with increase to the Lord.” Luke 1:47-55

Stewardship is a way of life! Stewardship is the sincere profound response we make when God touches our lives. It is The Anima Christi the response we make as we imitate Jesus Christ and ponder the Saving Cross and Resurrection. New wonderful spiritual Soul of Christ, sanctify me; adventures and opportunities are waiting for you. Body of Christ, save me; Blood of Christ, inebriate me; Water from the side of Christ, wash me; May you receive gratefully and give generously. Passion of Christ, strengthen me; O good Jesus hear me; Within your wounds hide me; separated from you, let me never be; The Stewardship Ofﬁ ce From the evil one protect me; Catholic Diocese of Cleveland, Ohio At the hour of my death, call me; And close to you bid me; That with your saints, I may be praising you forever and ever. Amen.

Anonymous

4 53 Prayer For The Gifts Of The Holy Spirit How to use this Stewardship Journal Holy Spirit, Divine Counselor, I adore You as my true God, with God the This prayer journal was designed for you. Please include it as Father and God the Son. I adore You and unite myself to the adoration You part of your prayer time. Each day set aside a few minutes to receive from the angels and saints. I give You my heart and I offer my ardent thanksgiving for all the grace which You never cease to bestow on me. read and refl ect on the prayers, scriptures and questions. This journal is a small step along the way of stewardship which is O Giver of all supernatural gifts, who fi lled the soul of the Blessed Virgin Mary, a life-long journey of spiritual development and conversion Mother of God, with such immense favors, I beg You to visit me with Your which strives for the perfection of the Children of God. grace and Your love and to grant me the gift of holy fear, so that it may act on me as a check to prevent me from falling back into my past sins, for which I beg pardon. As you pray through this Stewardship Prayer Journal may the Holy Spirit inspire and fi ll you. May you be blessed Grant me the gift of piety, so that I may serve You for the future with increased with peace, love, good health, gifts, talents, and abundant fervor, follow with more promptness Your holy inspirations, and observe your treasures. May God guard and protect you, your family, and divine precepts with greater fi delity. your community. May each page bring you closer to God and Grant me the gift of knowledge, so that I may know the things of God and, those you love. enlightened by Your holy teaching, may walk, without deviation, in the path of eternal salvation. The Kingdom of God is at hand. Reach out, grasp it, and pass it on. Grant me the gift of fortitude, so that I may overcome courageously all the assaults of the devil, and all the dangers of this world which threaten the salvation of my soul.

Grant me the gift of counsel, so that I may choose what is more conducive to my spiritual advancement and may discover the wiles and snares of the tempter.

Grant me the gift of understanding, so that I may apprehend the divine mysteries and by contemplation of heavenly things detach my thoughts and affections from the vain things of this miserable world.

Grant me the gift of wisdom, so that I may rightly direct all my actions, referring them to God as my last end; so that, having loved Him and served Him in this life, I may have the happiness of possessing Him eternally in the next. Amen.

St. Alphonsus Liguori (1696 – 1787 AD)

52 5 Lorica of Saint Patrick (Breast Plate Prayer “Lorica”) (Continued)

Christ shield me today Against poison, against burning, Against drowning, against wounding, Week 1 Prayer So that reward may come to me in abundance. Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me, Christ in me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me, Christ on my right, Christ on my left, Lorica of Saint Patrick Christ when I lie down, Christ when I sit down, (Breast Plate Prayer “Lorica”) Christ in the heart of every man who thinks of me, Christ in the mouth of every man who speaks of me, Christ in the eye that sees me, Christ in the ear that hears me.

I arise today I arise today Through a mighty strength, Through a mighty strength, the invocation of the Trinity, the invocation of the Trinity, Through a belief in the Threeness, Through a confession of the Oneness Through a belief in the Threeness, Of the Creator of creation. Through confession of the Oneness St. Patrick (ca. 377 AD) Of the Creator of creation.

St. Patrick (ca. 377 AD)

6 51 Week 1 Refl ection Lorica of Saint Patrick (Breast Plate Prayer “Lorica”) We are created in the Image of God and were chosen to live here and now in God’s Kingdom. Because we (Continued) are created in the Image of God ( Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) we are a “Communion of self-giving I arise today Through God’s strength to pilot me; love.” We are Stewards of this love and God’s Holy God’s might to uphold me, Kingdom. God’s wisdom to guide me, God’s eye to look before me, This week we refl ect on the goodness of God, in God’s ear to hear me, ourselves, in others, and in the world around us. We God’s word to speak for me, ponder and recognize God’s great love and our many God’s hand to guard me, blessings. We seek ways to generously return the God’s way to lie before me, wealth we have received. God’s shield to protect me, God’s hosts to save me, Holy Spirit fi ll me with wisdom. Grant me understanding and courage as I commit my time to From snares of the devil, From temptations of vices, prayer and seek ways to nourish and share my talents From every one who desires me ill, and many treasures. Help me be a good Steward. Afar and anear, Alone or in a multitude.

I summon today all these powers between me and evil, Against every cruel merciless power that opposes my body and soul, Against incantations of false prophets, Against black laws of pagandom, Against false laws of heretics, Against craft of idolatry, Against spells of women and smiths and wizards, Against every knowledge that corrupts man’s body and soul. (Continued)

50 7 Week 1 Day 1 Lorica of Saint Patrick I am Good (Breast Plate Prayer “Lorica”)

God created man in his image; in the divine image I arise today he created them; male and female he created them. Through a mighty strength, the invocation of the Trinity, God blessed them. God looked at everything he had Through a belief in the Threeness, made and He found it very good. Through confession of the Oneness Of the Creator of creation. Genesis 1:27, 31 I arise today The angel of the Lord appeared in a dream and said Through the strength of Christ’s birth and His baptism, to Joseph: “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to Through the strength of His cruciﬁ xion and His burial, take Mary your wife into your home. For it is through Through the strength of His resurrection and His ascension, the Holy Spirit that this child has been conceived Through the strength of His descent for the judgment of doom. in her. She will bear a son and you are to name him I arise today Jesus, because he will save his people from their Through the strength of the love of cherubim, sins.” All this took place to fulﬁ ll what the Lord had In obedience of angels, said through the prophet: “Behold, the virgin shall be In service of archangels, with child and bear a son, and they shall name him In the hope of resurrection to meet with reward, Emmanuel,” which means “God is with us.” In the prayers of patriarchs, Matthew 1:20-23 In preachings of the apostles, In faiths of confessors, What does it mean to be made in the image of God? In innocence of virgins, In deeds of righteous men.

I arise today Through the strength of heaven; Light of the sun, What do you like most about Mary’s and Joseph’s Splendor of ﬁ re, stewardship? How are you like them? Speed of lightning, Swiftness of the wind, Depth of the sea, Stability of the earth, Firmness of the rock. (Continued)

Emmanuel means “God is with us.” I will act like I believe God is truly with me.

8 49 Week 1 Day 2 I am Blessed

Jesus said, “Come, you who are blessed by my Father. Inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.” Matthew 25:34

Jesus said, “Concerning the resurrection of the dead, have you not read what was said to you by God, ‘I am Weekly Prayers the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob’? He is not the God of the dead but of the living.” Matthew 22:31-32 WWeekeek 1 - Lorica of St. Patrick Do you believe you will inherit the Kingdom? What WWeekeek 2 - Prayer for The Gifts of will you do with your inheritance? The Holy Spirit

WWeekeek 3 - Magniﬁ cat How were you blessed today?

WWeekeek 4 - The Anima Christi

Why do you think Jesus called God the God of the Living?

I will smile because I am blessed!

48 9 Week 1 Day 3 I Love My Time, Talent, and Treasure “A deepening sense of identity as the “gifted by God,” leads to an The earth is the Lord’s and all it holds, the world endless “call to be given away.” and those who live there. Who may go up the What gifts do you have that help you “give yourself away?” What gifts mountain of the Lord? Who can stand in his holy do others have that inspire you to “give your self away?” place? The clean of hand and pure of heart…They will receive blessings from the Lord, and justice from their saving God. Such are the people that love the Lord, that seek the face of the God of Jacob. Psalm 24:1,3,4-6 What is your favorite talent? Why do you think God gave you this talent? How does using your talents help others “give themselves away?” Jesus said: “You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and the ﬁ rst commandment. The second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. The whole law and the prophets depend on Do your treasures give you a sense of being “gifted by God?” Why? these two commandments.” Why not? Matthew 22:37-40

How do people know you love them? How do you show your love? Do you need to change the ways you use your time, talent, and treasure to better serve God? Do you have someone who can help you do this? If so, who? What one word best describes you as a lover?

How well do you love yourself? What can you do to treat yourself better?

I will show others I love them.

10 47 Week 1 Day 4 My Time, Talent, and Treasure I Ponder “Our mission is to return our gifts to God with increase and the most effective means of doing so is by Give thanks to the Lord who is good, whose love participation in the life of the Church” endures forever! They rejoiced that the sea grew calm, that God brought them to the harbor they Time is a gift. How do you use your time for God? How do longed for. God blessed them…Whoever is wise will you participate in the life of your Church? take note of these things, will ponder the merciful deeds of the Lord. Psalm 107: 1, 30, 38, 43

Talents are gifts. List three of your talents. How do you Jesus got into a boat and his disciples followed him. return your talents to God and the Church? Suddenly a violent storm came up on the sea, so that the boat was being swamped by waves; but he was asleep. They came and woke him, saying, “Lord, save us we are perishing!” He said to them, “Why are you terriﬁ ed, O you of little faith?” Then he got up, Treasures are gifts. List three of your greatest treasures. rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was great How could you more effectively return your treasures with calm. The men were amazed and said, “What sort of increase to God? man is this, whom even the winds and the sea obey?” Matthew 8:23-27

How often do you think about God? Write down one word that best describes God.

Have you ever felt “tossed about” by life. Has God ever rescued you? How?

I will seek the face of God. I will think about God’s goodness.

46 11 Week 1 Day 5 Week 4 Stewardship I am Wealthy My Identity – My Calling

“We are called, in equity and justice, to share our It is the Lord’s blessing that brings wealth, and no gifts with the needy; by this sharing we effort can substitute for it. also fulﬁ ll our need to give as those created Proverbs 10:22 in the image of God.”

Who are the “needy” in your life? How can you help The centurion said to Jesus, “Lord, I am not worthy them? Have you ever been in need? Who helped to have you enter under my roof; only say the word you? and my servant will be healed.” Matthew 8:8

How does God provide for you? How have you used your gifts to strengthen your faith or the faith of others?

Does faith bring wealth? How? Why? Why not?

Good stewards share their treasures to help alleviate their own suffering and the suffering of others. Why do you think this is important? Do you think having wealth increases or decreases one’s faith in God? Why? Why not?

I will fast for my faith community’s ﬁ nancial needs.

12 45 Week 4 Day 7 Week 1 Day 6 I am Committed I am Chosen

Behold, I am coming soon. I bring with me the Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus recompense I will give to each according to his deeds. Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every I am the Alpha and the Omega, the ﬁ rst and the last, spiritual blessing in the heavens, as he chose us in the beginning and the end. Blessed are they who wash him, before the foundation of the world, to be holy their robes so as to have the right to the tree of life and without blemish before him. and enter the city through its gates. Ephesians 1:3-5 Revelation 22:12-15 This is how you are to pray: Our Father in heaven, Jesus said to his Disciples, “All power in heaven hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in daily bread; and forgive us our debts, as we forgive the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the our debtors; and do not subject us to the ﬁ nal test, Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have but deliver us from the evil one. If you forgive others commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, their transgressions, your heavenly Father will forgive until the end of the age.” you. But if you do not forgive others, neither will Matthew 28:18-20 your Father forgive your transgressions. Matthew 6:9-15 How do you help others enter the Eternal Gates? What resources are available in your faith community How has God acted as a Father in your life? to assist you?

What does it feel like to be chosen? Forgiven? To Jesus committed His Divinity, His Humanity, His forgive? Heart, His Spirit, and His Body to establish an eternal Covenant with you. Today, what commitment will you make in return?

I will imitate Jesus. I will pray the “Our Father.”

44 13 Week 1 Day 7 Week 4 Day 6 I am Generous I am Human

The just are generous in giving. For those blessed by Blessed are they who mourn, for they will be the Lord will possess the land. comforted. Psalm 37:21-22 Matthew 5:4

My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Take care not to perform righteous deeds in order Matthew 27:46 that people may see them; otherwise, you will have no recompense from your heavenly Father. When you give alms, do not blow a trumpet before you, as Who has comforted you during your times the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets of mourning? Why do you think we need to be to win the praise of others. Amen, I say to you, they comforted? How do you feel when you need to be have received their reward. But when you give alms, consoled and are not? do not let your left hand know what your right is doing, so that your almsgiving may be secret. And your Father who sees in secret will repay you. Matthew 6:1-4 Have you ever felt forsaken? What did you do? Are you generous? What do you like to give away?

Why do you think God blesses those who mourn? Have you ever helped someone in need and forgot How do you use your gifts to bless those who mourn? that you helped them? What does that say about you?

I will give something away. I will pray for those who feel forsaken.

14 43 Week 4 Day 5 Week 1 Stewardship I am Saved My Identity – My Calling

“We are a communion of self giving love.” Christ ransomed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written, “Cursed be What do you and God have in common? How are you everyone who hangs on a tree,” that the blessing of like God? Abraham might be extended to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, so that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith. Galatians 3:13-14 Stewardship is a response to God’s generous love. The chief priests with the scribes and elders mocked How do you respond to those who love you? Would him and said, “He saved others; he cannot save you like to change the way you respond? If so, how himself. So he is the king of Israel! Let him come and why? down from the cross now, and we will believe in him.” Matthew 27:41-42 How would you deﬁ ne a “Good Steward?” Have you experienced a time when someone did not believe in you? What happened to them?

Describe one moment this past week when you sensed that you were created in God’s image. What gifts do you have that help others believe in Jesus? Do you care whether or not others believe in Jesus?

I will sacriﬁ ce something for someone in my community that needs to be saved.

42 15 Week 4 Day 4 I am Compassionate

Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you and utter every kind of evil against you (falsely) because of me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven. Thus they persecuted the prophets who were before you. Week 2 Prayer Matthew 5:11-12

Prayer for the Gifts of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and the Holy Spirit stone those sent to you, how many times I yearned to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her young under her wings, but you were unwilling! O Giver of all supernatural gifts, Matthew 23:37-38 who ﬁ lled the soul of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God, with Are there prophets in your home or faith community? such immense favors, I beg You to Who are they? What do they say? visit me with Your grace and Your love and to grant me the gift of holy fear, so that it may act on me as a check to prevent me from falling back into my past sins, for which I Does your family or faith community take shelter beg pardon. under Jesus? Is there someone left out that you need to include? Who is responsible for reaching out to St. Alphonsus Liguori (1696 – 1787 AD) them?

I will rejoice and let God gather me under His wings.

16 41 Week 4 Day 3 Week 2 Refl ection I Sing Jesus Christ is our best model of stewardship and is God’s greatest Gift to us. Created in the Image of The Lord is my strength and my shield, in whom God, we are created to be the Body of Christ in the my heart trusted and found help. So my heart world. As the Body of Christ, we are a communion of rejoices; with my song I praise my God. Lord, you the Gifted! We are a storehouse of God’s gifts and our are the strength of your people, the saving refuge calling is to cultivate the life and gifts of each other. of your anointed king. Save your people, bless your inheritance; feed and sustain them forever! This week we refl ect on how well we imitate Jesus. Psalm 28:7-9 We will gratefully, generously, and unselfi shly share with one another our gifts, our talents, our treasures, Jesus took a cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them, and our very selves. saying, “Drink from it, all of you, for this is my blood of the covenant, which will be shed on behalf of many Blessed with humility, perseverance, courage, and for the forgiveness of sins. I tell you, from now on I wisdom we seek ways to respond with love! We shall not drink this fruit of the vine until the day when seek ways to care for one another, ourselves, and the I drink it with you new in the kingdom of my Father.” world. This week we will let our lights shine! Then, after singing a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. Holy Spirit, bless me as I pray. Inspire me as I seek Matthew 26:27-30 ways to respond to you with gratitude. Open my eyes that I may recognize my gifts and treasures! Help me Does music bless your life? How? What makes you value my wealth and share it wisely. sing? Who do you like to sing with?

Jesus and the Disciples sang before they went out to the Garden. Is there someone who is facing trying times that you would like to pray or sing with?

I will sing my favorite song!

40 17 Week 2 Day 1 Week 4 Day 2 I Persevere I am Righteous

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for kingdom of heaven. righteousness, for they will be satisﬁ ed. Matthew 5:3 Matthew 5:6

Many false prophets will arise and deceive many; While they were eating, Jesus took bread, said the and because of the increase of evildoing, the love of blessing, broke it, and giving it to his disciples said, many will grow cold. “Take and eat; this is my body.” Matthew 24:11-13 Matthew 26:26 Have you ever known anyone whose love has grown What does it mean to be righteous? Do you think you cold? How did that happen ? How has that affected are righteous? their life?

What does Jesus offer you or your faith community What advice would you give to someone who is that you need to “take?” What gifts do you offer struggling through life and wants to quit? others that need to be “taken?”

I will do what I need to do to be I will encourage others. free from guilt and sin.

18 39 Week 4 Day 1 Week 2 Day 2 I am Vigilant I am Humble

Ground that has absorbed the rain falling upon it Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called repeatedly and brings forth crops useful to those for children of God. whom it is cultivated receives a blessing from God. Matthew 5:9 Hebrews 6:7 The disciples approached Jesus and said, “Who is Jesus said: “Who, then, is the faithful and prudent the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” He called a servant, whom the master has put in charge of his child over, placed it in their midst, and said, “Amen, I household to distribute to them their food at the say to you, unless you turn and become like children, proper time? Blessed is that servant whom his master you will not enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever on his arrival ﬁ nds doing so. Amen, I say to you, he humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the will put him in charge of all his property.” kingdom of heaven. And whoever receives one child Matthew 24:45-47 such as this in my name receives me.” Matthew 18:1-5 Is there an area in your life that requires vigilance, cultivation, or prudence? How can you positively Who is or was your favorite child? Why? What does it affect this area. feel like to be loved by a child? How is being humble childlike?

List two ways you can more wisely and generously use your ﬁ nances. How does being like a child bring peace?

I will donate my time, talent, or treasure to a good cause. I will seek peace in all I do.

38 19 Week 2 Day 3 Week 4 Refl ection I Shine The Kingdom Steward is above all human! To be human is to be in relationship with God and others. As your reward for heeding these decrees and This relationship calls us in “equity and justice,” to observing them carefully, the Lord, your God, share our gifts with the needy. Through this sharing will keep with you the merciful covenant which we also fulfi ll our need to give as those created in the he promised on oath to your fathers…You will be Image of God. blessed above all peoples. Deuteronomy 7:12, 15 This week we refl ect on the cost of Stewardship. As Good Stewards we rejoice in the Goodness of God and are righteous, vigilant, committed, and You are the light of the world. A city set on a compassionate. We steadfastly support, protect, mountain cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp share, and promote our faith. In the midst of our and then put it under a bushel basket; it is set on a humanness and brokenness our lives continue to lamp stand, where it gives light to all in the house. proclaim the Good News! We work for justice and Just so, your light must shine before others, that they peace, because without justice and peace chaos would may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly reign. We the Body of Christ live always for the Father. Reign of God. Matthew 5: 14-16 Holy Spirit heal my broken heart and my life. Grant Have you ever made a covenant with anyone? Did me courage and strength. Help me consume rightly you keep it? How do covenants symbolize life in the and joyfully all that God gives me. May God grant Kingdom? me mercy and peace. Jesus, help me and show me how to live out your Gospel message.

How do you let your light shine?

I will no longer avoid someone or something that I have been avoiding. I will offer it up for the glory of God.

20 37 Week 2 Day 4 I am Courageous

Blessed is the man who perseveres in temptation, for when he has been proved he will receive the crown of life that he promised to those who love him. James 1:12

Jesus advanced a little and fell prostrate in prayer, saying, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass Week 4 Prayer from me; yet, not as I will, but as you will.” Matthew 26:39

The Anima Christi Did you ever ask God to remove a temptation that was not removed? How did that test your faith?

Soul of Christ, sanctify me; Body of Christ, save me; Blood of Christ, inebriate me; How do you resist temptation? How do you help Water from the side of others resist temptations? How do you summon up Christ, wash me; Passion courage when you need it? of Christ, strengthen me.

Anonymous

I will skip a meal and offer it up for strength against temptations.

36 21 Week 2 Day 5 Week 3 Stewardship I Pray My Identity – My Calling

“ If we are the children of God (identity) Do not return evil for evil, or insult for insult; but, it is of our nature, it is part of our purpose on the contrary, a blessing, because to this you were to give ourselves away.” called, that you might inherit a blessing. 1 Peter 3:9 How did you give yourself away this week? What was the cost? Jesus explained: “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.‘ But I say to you, love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children Why do you think we so easily “give ourselves away” of your heavenly Father, for he makes his sun rise when we are in love? on the bad and the good, and causes rain to fall on the just and the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what recompense will you have? Do not the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet your brothers only, what is unusual about that? Do not How do you think God expresses gratitude? the pagans do the same? So be perfect, just as your heavenly Father is perfect.” Matthew 5:43-48

Why do you think Jesus asks us to love our enemies Why do you think gratitude is a characteristic of a Good and to pray for them? How does that affect our Steward? community? How does this promote the Kingdom?

I will be perfect. I will pray for an enemy.

22 35 Week 3 Day 7 Week 2 Day 6 I Serve I Care

May those who love you prosper! May peace be Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there within your ramparts, prosperity within your towers. may be food in my house, and try me in this, says the For family and friends I say, “May peace be yours. Lord of hosts: Shall I not open for you the fl oodgates For the house of the Lord, our God, I pray, May of heaven, to pour down blessing upon you without blessings be yours.” measure? For your sake I will forbid the locust to destroy your crops; and the vine in the fi eld will not Psalm 122: 6-9 be barren, says the Lord of hosts. Then all nations will call you blessed, for you will be a delightful land, Jesus said to the Disciples: “You know that the says the Lord of hosts. rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and the great Malachi 3:10-12 ones make their authority over them felt. But it shall not be so among you. Rather, whoever wishes to Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, be great among you shall be your servant; whoever where moth and decay destroy, and thieves break in wishes to be fi rst among you shall be your slave. Just and steal. But store up treasures in heaven, where so, the Son of Man did not come to be served but to neither moth nor decay destroys, nor thieves break in serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.” and steal. For where your treasure is, there also will Matthew 20:25-28 your heart be. Matthew 6:19-21 How do you best serve your family and faith community? Who serves you? What is your most important treasure? Do you store or share it? How do you care for your treasures?

You are called to use your gifts and serve your faith community. What do you think will happen if you don’t answer the call? Do you understand why God asks us to bring our tithes into the storehouse? How can this help build up the Kingdom?

I will do what I need to do to be healthy. I will take I will serve someone today. care of myself and enjoy the world around me.

34 23 Week 2 Day 7 Week 3 Day 6 I am Wise I Belong

May you be blessed by the Lord, who made heaven Know that the Lord is God, our maker to whom and earth. The heavens belong to the Lord, but the we belong, whose people we are, God’s well-tended earth is given to us. ﬂ ock. Enter the temple gates with praise, its courts Psalm 115:15-16 with thanksgiving. Give thanks to God, bless his name; good indeed is the Lord, whose love endures forever, whose faithfulness lasts through every age. Well done, my good and faithful servant. Since you Psalm 100:3-5 were faithful in small matters, I will give you great responsibilities. Come; share your master’s joy. Jesus explained, “The kingdom of heaven is like a Matthew 25: 21 net thrown into the sea, which collects ﬁ sh of every The Lord gave you the earth. How can you thank kind. When it is full they haul it ashore and sit down God for this great gift? How wisely do you use this to put what is good into buckets.” earth? Matthew 13:47-48

What does it feel like to belong to God’s ﬂ ock? What does it feel like to belong to your family, group of friends, or faith community? What are the “signs” that The sun is a small part of the universe yet it affects all you “belong”? our lives. How does it affect your life today?

As Stewards of the Kingdom how are we to tend How do you respond when God entrusts you with God’s ﬂ ock? What is the greatest need you see in your responsibilities great or small? “ﬂ ock” today?

I will pray for wisdom. I will act like I belong to the Body of Christ!

24 33 Week 3 Day 5 Week 2 Stewardship I am Meek My Identity – My Calling

“As the Body of Christ, we are a communion of the Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the land. Gifted and a storehouse of God’s gifts. Our calling Matthew 5:5 is to cultivate the life and gifts of each member.”

Jesus said, “All things have been handed over to What gifts did you use this week that brought you me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the joy? Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son wishes to reveal him. ‘Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; How can your faith community help you cultivate and you will ﬁ nd rest for your selves. For my yoke is your gifts? easy, and my burden light.’” Matthew 11:27-30

What have you inherited? (ﬁ nancial, property, beliefs, characteristics, etc.) How do you care for your What would you say to those who say they don’t have inheritance? any gifts? Have you ever known a person who truly doesn’t have any gifts?

Who in your life gives you rest and makes your burdens light? Does being meek make it easier or harder to receive help? Why? Why not? What gifts do you have and use that others are grateful for? Why do they think your gifts are important?

How do others lift your burdens?

I will lend someone a helping hand.

32 25 Week 3 Day 4 I am Innocent

Blessed are the clean of heart for they will see God. Matthew 5:8

Week 3 Prayer Jesus said: “I give praise to you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for although you have hidden these things from the wise and the learned you have revealed Magniﬁ cat them to the childlike.” Matthew 11:25 My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my savior. Do you think innocence is a gift or a hindrance in For he has looked upon his handmaid’s today’s world? Why? Why not? lowliness; behold, from now on all ages will call me blessed. The Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name. His mercy is from age to age to those who fear him. He has shown might with his arm, dispersed the arrogant of mind and heart. How do you guard your faith and pass it on? He has thrown down the rulers from their thrones but lifted up the lowly. The hungry he has ﬁ lled with good things; the rich he has sent away empty. He has helped Israel his servant, remembering his mercy, according to his promise to our fathers, to Abraham and to his descendants forever.

Luke 1:47-55

I will pray for a child whose innocence is lost.

26 31 Week 3 Day 3 Week 3 Refl ection I am Merciful Like Mary, the fi rst and greatest Steward of the Word, our Spirits rejoice in God our Savior! In humility and Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown innocence we accept and recognize that we belong to mercy. the Body of Christ. As the Body of Christ our mission Matthew 5:7 is to return our gifts to God with increase. The most effective means of returning our gifts to God is Jesus, saw a man named Matthew sitting at the through participation in the life of the Church. As we customs post. He said to him, “Follow me.” And he participate in the life of the Church it is important to got up and followed him. While he was at table in his understand that Stewardship is a life-long journey of house, many tax collectors and sinners came and sat spiritual development and conversion as we strive with Jesus and his disciples. The Pharisees saw this for perfection as Sons and Daughters of God. and said to his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” He heard this and This week we refl ect on gratitude and the mercy of said, “Those who are well do not need a physician, God. We seek ways to serve and to return to God but the sick do. Go and learn the meaning of the what God has given to us. words, ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifi ce.’ I did not come to call the righteous but sinners.” Holy Spirit reveal my gifts. Show me ways to Matthew 9:9-13 encourage and promote the use of my gifts. Help me discover and nourish the gifts present in myself and in Jesus calls each of us. What do you think Jesus wants others. Fill me with a passion for the Gospel message! you to do? How do you “sense” Jesus’s call? Help me always proclaim the Gospel message not in word only but with my life.

How does mercy promote the Kingdom? Who needs your mercy?

I will be merciful with myself.

30 27 Week 3 Day 1 Week 3 Day 2 I am Grateful I Rejoice

You visit the earth and water it, make it abundantly Blessed be the Lord day by day, God, our salvation, fertile. God’s stream is ﬁ lled with water; with it you who carries us. Our God is a God who saves; escape supply the world with grain. Thus do you prepare from death is in the Lord God’s hands. the earth and drench plowed furrows and level their Psalm 68:20-21 ridges! With showers you keep the ground soft, blessing its young sprouts. Psalm 65:10-11 The disciples asked Jesus: “Who then can be saved?” Jesus looked at them and said, “For human beings this is impossible, but for God all things are The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that a possible.” person took and sowed in a ﬁ eld. It is the smallest of Matthew 19: 25-26 all the seeds, yet when full-grown it is the largest of plants. It becomes a large bush, and the “birds of the What has God done in your life that causes you to sky come and dwell in its branches.” rejoice? Matthew 13:31-32

How has God supplied your needs? How do you show your gratitude? Why do you think God wants to share eternity with you?

How does the mustard seed symbolize stewardship?

I will encourage someone to believe in my I will ﬁ nd out where the nearest Homeless Shelter is. God who does the impossible.

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